If you have the chance to visit the Ancient Town but have never once listened to the lively folk songs and verses at a small bamboo hut by the banks of the Hoai River, your journey is not truly complete. Hoi An Bai Choi is more than just a folk game; it has become a source of spiritual nourishment, an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognized by UNESCO. Let’s explore this unique art form from A to Z to prepare for your upcoming trip!

What is Hoi An Bai Choi that captivates travelers?

Bai Choi is a folk art form that combines singing, performance, and traditional games, popular in the Central provinces of Vietnam. In Hoi An, this activity usually takes place in the evening within the Ancient Town, attracting both locals and visitors on their trip to Hoi An.

The charm of Hoi An Bai Choi lies in the direct interaction between the players and the "Anh Hieu" and "Chi Hieu" – the hosts who sing and announce the card names through charming folk songs and poems. The intimate, fun-filled atmosphere ensures the playground is always buzzing with laughter.

Unlike many performances meant only for observation, Bai Choi makes everyone feel like they are part of the fun. Even if you don't understand all the lyrics, you can still easily immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Hoi An at night.

A beginner’s guide to playing Hoi An Bai Choi

For those participating for the first time, Hoi An Bai Choi might seem strange, but the rules are actually very simple and easy to understand—similar to the familiar "Loto" game in the South but elevated into a more artistic form.

The deck of cards and bamboo tags

The game uses the "Toi" deck (consisting of 30 pairs, divided into 3 groups: Sach, Van, Van). However, instead of holding thin paper cards, participants will buy large bamboo tags (often called "the xam"). Each bamboo tag has 3 different cards pasted on it. You can choose to buy one or more tags to increase your chances of winning.

The role of "Anh Hieu" and "Chi Hieu"

The soul of every Hoi An Bai Choi session is Anh Hieu and Chi Hieu—the game masters. They are folk artisans who possess resonant, sweet voices and an incredibly ingenious ability to improvise.

• When the game starts, Anh Hieu or Chi Hieu will randomly draw a card from a bamboo tube.
• Instead of calling out the card name in a dry manner, they will sing a folk song, a short chant, or a poem that hints at the name of that card (known as "ho hat bai choi").
• Players must listen to the song and deduce whether it matches one of the cards on their bamboo tag.

Winning rules

• When you hear the host announce the card you have, you tap a wooden clapper (or shout) to signal. A helper will then bring you a small triangular flag to place on your hut as a mark.
• The winner (known as "toi") is the first person to collect 3 small flags on their tag.
• When someone wins, a drum roll sounds in celebration. The winner will receive a meaningful souvenir (often a Hoi An lantern, Thanh Ha pottery, etc.) along with a symbolic cash prize from the game association.

Performance schedule and locations for Hoi An Bai Choi 2026

To not miss out on this unique cultural experience in 2026, be sure to save the following accurate time and location information:

Where is Hoi An Bai Choi held?

• Location: The Bai Choi stage is located at the roundabout by the Hoai River, right next to Nguyen Phuc Chu street, in the Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang. This area is very easy to find, situated opposite the An Hoi Bridge crossing the river.

Detailed performance schedule

Bai Choi programs in Hoi An usually take place in the evening, becoming especially lively on weekends and holidays, as follows:

• Schedule: Activities take place regularly every night of the week.
• Operating hours: From 19:00 to 21:30 nightly. During holidays, Tet, or the Ancient Town full moon nights (the 14th day of the lunar month), the atmosphere here becomes even livelier and more crowded than usual.

>>> See more: Discover 7 Hoi An craft villages 2026: A journey to touch the heritage

Tips for the best Bai Choi experience

Ideal time to participate

You should arrive at the Bai Choi grounds between 19:30 and 20:30. This is when the weather is coolest, the bamboo huts are illuminated, and the number of visitors is just right to create a vibrant atmosphere without being overly crowded.

Transportation and choosing accommodation near the venue

For convenience in exploring the Ancient Town and enjoying Hoi An Bai Choi in the evening, many travelers prioritize choosing accommodation with a convenient location, quiet environment, and easy access to the center.

One of the top choices is Nesta Hoi An Resort & Spa. The resort offers a relaxing green space, suitable for both family holidays and vacation retreats. From the resort, guests can easily reach the Bai Choi grounds and famous attractions in just a few minutes by car or by walking.

Highlights of Nesta Hoian Resort & Spa:

• Quiet and spacious green space: The resort is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a fresh atmosphere, perfect for resting after exploring Hoi An Ancient Town or participating in activities like Bai Choi.
• Diverse room systems: Many room categories from Deluxe (~28m²) to Signature (~32m²), designed to optimize natural light, with airy spaces and simple yet fully equipped interiors.
• Relaxing outdoor pool: A large, airy pool area, suitable for swimming, lounging, or relaxing in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing.
• Soie Senses Spa: A specialized spa space that helps relax the body and restore energy with gentle care treatments, suitable for guests who need balance after an active itinerary.
• La Veranda Restaurant: Serves a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes in an airy setting, suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner within the resort grounds.
• Convenient location: Easily connects to Hoi An Ancient Town and major attractions, helping guests enjoy a peaceful vacation while remaining convenient for exploration.
• Suitable for many guest groups: From couples and families to groups of friends, everyone can choose a suitable space, ensuring privacy and comfort throughout the vacation.

Thanks to the combination of resort space and convenience, this place becomes a balanced choice for those who want to both explore Hoi An and have time for proper rest.

Contact information:

• Address: 87 Cua Dai, Hoi An, Da Nang (City)
• Hotline: 023 5391 7979
• Facebook: facebook.com/nestahoianresortspa/
• Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DJ8uzvcb9gwbTUUr5
• Google rating: 4.9/5 ⭐

>>> Discover Top 15 Most Beautiful Hoi An Resorts: Ideal Vacation Spaces for 2026

Attractions near the Bai Choi grounds you should visit

After experiencing intense Bai Choi matches or while waiting for your next turn, you can easily visit famous Hoi An attractions right around this area:

• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): A timeless heritage symbol of the Hoi An Ancient Town. This architectural work, bearing the marks of Vietnamese-Japanese cultural exchange, is just a few minutes' walk from the Bai Choi stage along the riverbank.
• Hoi An Night Market: Located right on Nguyen Phuc Chu street. This is where you can freely shop for handicrafts, unique souvenirs, and enjoy countless attractive street foods like ice cream rolls, grilled meat skewers, and "banh trang dap" after fun-filled games.
• Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River: Right next to the Bai Choi stage is a boat dock. You can rent a small boat, drift along the gentle water, and manually release sparkling flower lanterns onto the river to pray for peace—one of the most romantic experiences in Hoi An.

Hoi An Bai Choi is not just an entertainment game, but a door opening to the artistic and rustic soul of the Quang region's people. Plan your trip today, book a room at Nesta Hoi An Resort & Spa via hotline +84 23 5391 7979 to enjoy a complete vacation and be ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant melodies by the banks of the Hoai River!